Presents reports from: National Technical Information Service; National Archives and Records Administration; United States Information Agency; National Center for Educational Statistics Library Statistics Cooperative Program; Library of Congress; Center for the Book; Federal Library and Information Center Committee; National Agricultural Library;…

Provides reports from the following national associations and organizations: American Library Association (ALA); Association of American Publishers (AAP); Association of Research Libraries (ARL); and Council on Library and Information Resources (CLIR). (AEF)

Discusses the importance of proper lighting in spaces dedicated to reading and computer use, such as libraries. Topics include glare and reflection; contrast; shadows; damage to paper and bindings from light; aesthetic issues; different categories of lighting; types of fixtures; and achieving a balance by varying lighting and fixtures. (LRW)

This historical study explores a definition of information management that centers on the ordering and channeling of non-publicly available information within organizations. Highlights three types of organizations: the business corporation; the library; and the state agency, specifically British military intelligence. (Contains 44…

Presents personal and professional competencies for special librarians in the 21st century identified by the Special Libraries Association. Discusses the competencies categorized under general headings: vision, service, networks, professional growth, and political acumen. Provides the URL for a complete listing of the competencies. (PEN)

This article is a survey of representative metadata efforts, comparing them to MARC 21 metadata in order to determine if new electronic formats require the development of a new set of standards. Explains the Dublin Core, the need for metadata, and discusses and describes the Library of Congress PCC Core. (Author/LRW)

Includes four articles that discuss the use of digital objects to represent value in a network environment; digital library initiatives at the central public funding organization for academic research in Germany; an application of the Digital Object Identifier System; and the Web site of the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory. (LRW)

Presents a bibliographic selection of nonfiction work on the Holocaust in 31 countries, focusing specifically on the Jewish Holocaust. Countries are arranged alphabetically with brief commentaries plus one to four relevant titles per country. Three titles of general interest for quick reference are cited at the end of the list. (SM)

Most library Web sites offer lists of recommended Web sites for primary sources with only cursory summaries of the sites. While many of the resources listed are outstanding, too many are dubious in quality, often referring to dead URLs or sites containing no information on their sponsor, source of material, or other information needed to evaluate…

The author of this column describes several instances in which secure data on computers were compromised. In each of these instances, a different route was involved in gaining access to the secure data--one by office-based theft, one by hacking, and one by burglary. Is is proposed that the most difficult factor to guarantee in the protection of…

At least once a year, teachers generally request a historical fiction assignment. Bare facts make dry reading but historical fiction, set in an actual time period with plausible dialogue and credible characters, is more palatable to youngsters. This column discusses the most widely-requested historical periods of study for intermediate and upper…

As graphic novels grow in popularity, with teen readers, libraries are finding the world of comics, manga, and anime a fertile field for inspiring events, as well as a great way to promote libraries to teens in general. These events can range from simple--a reading/signing--to elaborate--workshops, or even a mini convention. All provide a unique…

Much has been written recently about the importance of "evidence based practice" for teacher librarians. Principals value most collaboration by teacher librarians. Collaboration affects achievement. This article discusses how principals can play a part in teacher-librarian collaboration.

This article highlights the influence of Clara Chu, associate professor in the University of California at Los Angeles's (UCLA) Department of Information Studies. Her influence extends far beyond her campus. She works with many organizations to advance multiculturalism in librarianship. As a prolific researcher, writer, and speaker, Chu has given…

Many librarians have been concerned with the unintended consequences of new technologies, but Kristin Eschenfelder--librarian, scholar, and social scientist--gathers the data to enable rational policy decisions about technology's ramifications. As assistant professor in the School of Library and Information Studies at University of…